All things seem possible in May

First of all, I would like to say how proud I am of my wonderful husband for completing his first semester of Anesthetist school. He has worked so hard. He has spent many, MANY long hours at the library studying. It paid off too! He did not make his goal of making all A's, to his disappointment. He missed it by one point, on one final, in one class. I actually think it would have been easier if he had missed it by even two points! He was so close. It's okay though. He still did a wonderful job, and I am so proud of him, and he should be proud of himself too! One down. Only six more to go!

On May 14th, David's cousin, Sissy, graduated from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished. This day was bittersweet for me because it meant that she would be leaving Birmingham and most importantly me. I managed to maintain my composure until the very end of the night. Everyone had been having such a wonderful time celebrating after the graduation at dinner and then at Wine'd Down. Then it was time to say goodbye, and that's when it hit me. Before David moved to Birmingham at the beginning of 2008, I barely knew Sissy, and over the past two years we've gotten to know each other and have become so close. For the first 4 months of mine and David's marriage, we lived just across the breezeway from Sissy. Many nights when David was at work, I would stay the night with her. We have become more than just family and closer than just friends, and now she's leaving me. I know she's happier now that she is close to her friends, and boyfriend, and her precious nephew, but by golly, I'm going to miss that girl. I pass by the house where she lived for the past year, and I just have this empty feeling, knowing she's not there. Dangit, I'm crying again. Sheesh!

Sissy and Me after her graduation

Originally, I had planned on leaving early the morning after the graduation to attend a wedding in Monroeville with Jennifer and Marissa. I knew that I was going to be very stressed trying to rush home and make it to the wedding on time. That is why it was an easy decision to change my plans when my cousin invited me and the boys to go to Do Dah Day. I wanted to go last year, but didn't because David was working and the weather was really yucky. I had completely forgotten about it until Donielle mentioned it, and I was not about to pass up the opportunity to go. It was hot and crowded, but I think the boys enjoyed themselves. Since Brad and Donielle only have Bella, and David was working, Brad helped me take care of my boys. We decided to walk and get some food and Brad had Riley on the leash. We got to some stairs and Riley was afraid to go down them. Brad asked me to hold his drink while her carried Riley down. He got to the bottom and was bending down to put Riley on the ground. At the same moment, I lost my footing and tripped and spilled his drink on him. :( Talk about embarrassing. I felt so bad. That wasn't a very nice way to repay him for helping me. The highlight of the day, in my opinion, was when Charlie scared a giant Great Dane named Nigel. It was too funny.

Riley and Charlie trying to keep cool at Do Dah Day

It is hard to believe it has been two years since I left my first teaching job at Monroe Academy. My then 4th graders had their 6th grade graduation ceremony on May 20th, and of course I had to attend. I cannot believe how much they have grown physically and how much more mature they seem. They're making me feel so old. I am so proud of all of them. As quickly as these last two years have passed, I know that the next six years are going to go by fast too. Before I know it, they will be graduating from high school. I hope to be there then as well.

Ali and me

Me and Blaine


Super exciting news...my cousin, Donielle and her husband, Brad are expecting their first baby. The doctor is 95% sure it is going to be a little girl, and she is supposed to be here on December 1st. Now, I have wanted a baby for a while now, but when she told me she was pregnant, something inside me really started longing for a baby of my own. I joke that I have been waiting for them to get pregnant because we got married about a month after they did. They bought a house. A month later, we bought a house. They got Bella the end of November, and we ordered Charlie the beginning of January. If the trend continues, they get pregnant, and then we get pregnant! Unfortunately, David has two more years of school before he will even let me think about having a baby. I guess I can wait a little longer. However, I look forward to babysitting sweet Baby Byrne on a regular basis. Maybe being able to be around a baby frequently will help satisfy my need to have one of my own. Right? Congratulation, Brad and Donielle! I am so happy for you. (and maybe a little jealous) XOXO

The Byrne Family
Bella is going to be a big sister!

This weekend, I will be making another trip to Monroeville for Marissa Grace's 2nd dance recital. It will be difficult for her to top last year's performance! She makes me so happy and proud. I am so lucky to be her aunt. I cannot wait to post pictures of my little dancing queen!

It has been less than two months since David planted our grass. It is definitely taking its sweet time, but it has grown quite a bit. I dare say there is now more green than brown. One day I caught David spraying his infamous weed killer on the yard. It wouldn't be so bad if it only killed weeds, but it kills EVERYTHING it touches. I threw a fit! I told him I would pull weeds by hand if he would promise not to use the chemicals any more. I have kept my word. Every day, I go out there for as long as I can stand it and pull weeds by hand. I even get dirt under my nails! Anyone who knows me knows what a huge deal that is because I hate being outdoors. I cannot stand being hot and sweaty. I abhor getting dirty, and I am deathly afraid of insects. Not to mention, I am allergic to everything green. I have even turned my attention to the front yard which was covered with weeds. Now, I know David deserves some credit for the grass in the back yard since he did spend the time planting it, but I am the one that weeds it and waters it on a regular basis. Needless to say, I am pretty proud of myself.

Our mostly green back yard


The giant pile of weeds I picked from the front yard

The front yard after I pulled weeds
(I should have taken a "before" picture, but I didn't think about it)

The month of May has been a whirlwind month. I can't believe it is almost over. The month of June promises to be an eventful month as well. Starting with the "Take Steps Be Heard " for Crohn's and Colitis walk on June 5th. Our team is in first place for raising money so far! If we raise the most money, we will be the Grand Marshals for the event, and best of all, Allison will have the opportunity to share her testimony. So far, I have raised $170 of my $250 goal. You can still donate by going to the Take Steps website. I am so excited about this event. I cannot wait to see Allison and walk by her side.


Also, coming up in June...
Carole's "27th" Birthday party
David and Jamie's 2 Year Anniversary